A new type of scam targeting UK mobile phone users has emerged in 2026, where scammers impersonate phone providers like Sky, Tesco Mobile, EE, Vodafone, and 02 to trick victims into returning expensive smartphones. Victims receive calls from individuals posing as customer service representatives, who offer discounts and free devices in exchange for personal information. Once the victim complies, the scammers send the phones via mail, claiming they were intended for another customer. When victims return the phones using a QR code provided by the scammers, they often face repeated demands for returns and threats of financial penalties. In one case, a victim received multiple identical phones and was falsely accused of theft. The phone companies confirm that no legitimate calls were made from their behalf beyond initial billing adjustments.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a fraudulent scheme affecting consumers, without overtly endorsing or criticizing specific political entities or policies. While the issue involves consumer protection and regulatory oversight, the focus remains on the technical aspects of the scam and its 피해



